The Major Arcana
0. THE FOOL. Folly, mania, extravagance
This card signifies a journey into the unknown, filled with unpredictability. It may also reflect the essence of youthful spirit and spontaneous actions that may lead to both exhilarating experiences and stark mistakes. Reversed: This indicates a lack of awareness, where one may find themselves lost in the chaos of life.
1. THE MAGICIAN. Skill, diplomacy
The Magician represents the power to manifest desires and the potential for transformation. It speaks of an adept mind capable of creating one's reality. This card encourages the Querent to harness their innate skills and approach challenges with confidence. Reversed: In its reversed state, this symbolizes a misuse of power or trickery that could lead to harmful consequences.
2. THE HIGH PRIESTESS. Secrets, mystery
This card urges deep introspection and listening to one's intuition, as the answers lying ahead are often obscured. It signifies the power of knowledge and the interplay of the conscious and subconscious mind. Reversed: Passion, moral or physical ardour, conceit, surface knowledge. When reversed, caution is advised as it may highlight illusions and a lack of depth in understanding.
3. THE EMPRESS. Fruitfulness, action, initiative
The Empress embodies abundance and nurturing energies, inspiring creativity and growth. She is a mother figure, offering support and reminding one to appreciate the beauty in life. Reversed: When reversed, there may be warnings against overindulgence or dependency.
4. THE EMPEROR. Stability, power, protection
The Emperor symbolizes structure and authority, representing a father figure who brings order and stability. It emphasizes the importance of respect and responsibility in achieving success. Reversed: When reversed, it can indicate power struggles or conflicts in leadership.
5. THE HIEROPHANT. Marriage, alliance, servitude
The Hierophant represents tradition and spiritual guidance, often offering lessons through established norms and values. He invites the Querent to explore moral and spiritual questions, fostering a sense of community and learning. Reversed: In reverse, this card signals the deviation from tradition or possible conflicts with authority.
6. THE LOVERS. Attraction, love, beauty, trials overcome. This card is not solely about romantic relationships, it also encompasses choices and partnerships. The Lovers signify the importance of connection and harmony in relationships, urging the Querent to reflect on their emotional bonds. Reversed: In its reversed position, it suggests conflict, miscommunication, or doubts within relationships.
7. THE CHARIOT. Triumph, presumption, vengeance
The Chariot represents the strength of determination and resilience, enabling one to overcome obstacles through willpower and conviction. It's a call to action and assertiveness, encouraging the seeker to seize control of their direction in life. Reversed: When reversed, it signifies a loss of direction or lack of control, cautioning against external conflicts.
8. STRENGTH. Power, courage, magnanimity
Strength encourages perseverance and bravery; it indicates facing fears and maintaining inner strength during difficult times. This card embodies the spirit of resilience and determination. Reversed: In reverse, it warns of overstepping boundaries or misusing power, leading to chaos and disputes.
9. THE HERMIT. Prudence, circumspection
The Hermit suggests a time of reflection and solitude, urging the Querent to seek inner wisdom and observation. This card is a reminder to look within, gathering insights through introspection and the experiences of life. Reversed: In reverse, it may indicate a loneliness or withdrawal that can be detrimental.
10. WHEEL OF FORTUNE. Destiny, fortune, success, luck
The Wheel of Fortune represents the cyclical nature of life and the changes that come with it. It reminds the Querent of the highs and lows we all experience, emphasizing acceptance of fate's unpredictable course. Reversed: When reversed, it may indicate a time of stagnation or challenges in navigating life's changes.
11. JUSTICE. Equity, rightness, triumph of the deserving side in law.
Justice highlights the necessity of fairness and balance. It requires an examination of moral implications, urging the Querent to approach situations with ethics and integrity. Reversed: In reverse, there may be a lack of fair outcomes or injustices that must be addressed.
12. THE HANGED MAN. Wisdom, discernment, trials, sacrifice, intuition
The Hanged Man signifies a period of suspension and contemplation, encouraging transformation through letting go and surrendering to the flow of life. It is a reminder to see things from a different perspective. Reversed: When reversed, this may suggest feeling stagnant or powerless to change circumstances, resisting necessary alterations.
13. DEATH. End, mortality, destruction, corruption
The Death card signifies transformation and the end of one phase to make way for another. It can invoke fear, but it is an essential aspect of life's cycles, heralding new beginnings. Reversed: In reverse, it can indicate a reluctance to change or acceptance of what must end.
14. TEMPERANCE. Economy, moderation, frugality, management
Temperance signifies the importance of balance and moderation in all areas of life. It embodies the concept of harmony, integrating opposites and seeking the golden mean. Reversed: In its reversed form, this card may indicate excess or disharmony that can lead to turmoil in relationships or situations.
15. THE DEVIL. Ravage, violence, vehemence, extraordinary efforts
The Devil reveals the shadow side of human nature and the entrapments of worldly desires. It challenges one to confront their fears and the bondage they might experience due to their own choices. Reversed: When reversed, this highlights issues of dependency and the need for liberation from harmful habits.
16. THE TOWER. Misery, distress, adversity, calamity, ruin
It is a card in particular of unforeseen catastrophe. The Tower represents sudden upheaval and clarity that comes from breaking down old structures. While its arrival may appear harsh, it seeks to clear misunderstandings and inefficiencies for growth. Reversed: In reverse, it can indicate the fear of change or the need to escape a tumultuous situation.
17. THE STAR. Hope and bright prospects.
Following the chaos of the Tower, the Star brings healing and hope. It signifies inspiration, renewal, and cosmic guidance, urging the Querent to trust in the unfolding journey of life. Reversed: When reversed, it may manifest immaturity or a lack of faith in oneself and one's potential.
18. THE MOON. Hidden enemies, darkness, occult forces
The Moon represents the realm of illusions and the subconscious, urging the Querent to trust their intuition while also cautioning against misleading appearances. It suggests that not all is as it seems and may involve emotional or psychological journeys. Reversed: When reversed, it often indicates clarity and the subsequent removal of illusions.
19. THE SUN. Material happiness, good fortune, contentment.
The Sun embodies joy, success, and positivity. It represents vitality and the bright prospects that come from hard work and enthusiasm. This card is a harbinger of happiness and achievement. Reversed: Even in a reversed position, there is still a glimmer of hope, though it may indicate forgetfulness of one's inner joy.
20. THE LAST JUDGMENT. Change of position, renewal, outcome.
The Last Judgment signifies a time of reflection and resurrection, calling for the Querent to embrace transformation and new beginnings. It denotes the closure of old cycles and the exhilarating prospects of what lies ahead. Another account specifies total loss though lawsuit. Reversed: It may warn of reluctance to take responsibility or fear of judgment faced.
21. THE WORLD. Assured success, voyage, flight, change of place.
The World represents completion, fulfillment, and the realization of goals. It embodies a cycle coming to a close, celebrating achievements and growth through experiences. Reversed: In its reversed form, it may react with resistance toward further development, indicating a time of feeling stuck.